John Mann, Danny Flanigan and the Rain Chorus, Greg Foresman Band, and V-Groove really created a collaboratively great scene last Friday. Admittedly, I was a skeptical of the turnout for the ‘Jam for a Cure’, to benefit the MS Society, but as I arrived fairly on time I was pleasantly surprised with the early arrived crowd and familiar faces I encountered. I’m not sure if it’s a negative thing but the bouncers at Headliners have even begun to recognize me, are quick to try to lightheartedly discourage my entry, but this time I was able to wiggle my way past the behemoths with smiles and handshakes.

John Mann kicked things off solidly with Greg Foresman joining in on guitar during most of the set. The decent crowd that had assembled from the start, although it could’ve seemed more crowded due to the 5 rows of chairs (yeah, first for me too), was into everything in the air that night and as John’s set wound down, Danny Flanigan and Rain Chorus were quite warmly welcomed. As I mentioned in the preview, Flanigan’s been a staple in Louisville for many years and Friday they delivered with just as much positivity and passion as expected.

What I was partially taken aback by was when I did have a chance to speak to Foresman. Not being one to shy away from conversation, I introduced myself humbly, thanked him for his assistance in covering the show, and he actually was like ‘hey man, thank YOU for coming out!’ I’m sorry what?! Another first for this guy as you just don’t find many musicians who take the time to speak to ‘media people’, especially before their set. Very cool indeed, as he was really happy to be there and catch up with some old friends for a good cause. Then he and his band crushed!

Alex Featherstone, from V-Groove, was another that was gracious enough to chat before the set although he didn’t have much to say of any substance. That was until V-Groove got on-stage and they really let the music do the talking. Really strong performance all around, the even did a SICK rendition of Aloe Blacc’s ‘I need a Dolla’, the raffle items were a hit but obviously rigged since I didn’t win, and it was a truly great evening. If you get the chance to go see any of the above, I highly recommend it.